Chapter Eighteen Attending the Bed?

For a long while, there was no response from outside the door. Yu Hualiang guessed it was either someone's prank or something supernatural. "Who is it?" Yu Hualiang called out again, but this time the knocking grew more urgent.

Mo Cai wrapped his arms tightly around Yu Hualiang, adamantly refusing to open the door, which made Yu Hualiang's heart leap into his throat. In the dead of night... even building a snowman had to come with a thrill!

At length, there was a sudden bang at the door from outside. "Ziliang, open up quickly, it's me!"

Yu Hualiang and Mo Cai finally relaxed a little. Yu Hualiang let out a breath and said, "So it was the Seventh Prince..."

But something felt off... a prince dropping by at this hour...

Mo Cai opened the door. The Seventh Prince walked straight in, his gaze seeming to complain about how slow Mo Cai had been. He strode in without a word.

Seeing Yu Hualiang clutching a large snowball, the prince's heart ached. He hurried over in three quick strides, snatched Yu Hualiang's hand, and warmed it within his own.

The whole sequence took less than a minute, leaving Yu Hualiang gaping in astonishment at the warmth.

"Ziliang, it's so cold out, how could you be so reckless?" the Seventh Prince chastised gently.

Yu Hualiang was taken aback by the kindness. "Seventh Prince... there's no need, really. I'll be fine once I'm inside."

Yu Hualiang had never expected the Seventh Prince to visit. From the look of it, he probably wasn't planning to leave tonight, which instantly filled Yu Hualiang with dread.

Mo Cai carefully put away the prince's cloak and hurried out to make tea.

The prince looked about the room. "Does Ziliang find this place satisfactory?"

Yu Hualiang nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes, very satisfied."

The Seventh Prince smiled faintly, toying with the teacup in his hand. Watching Yu Hualiang’s nervous demeanor, he wondered how he might set him at ease.

Suddenly remembering the odd shape Yu Hualiang had been making outside, he asked curiously, "Ziliang, what were you doing just now?"

Yu Hualiang was startled, replying cautiously, "That was a snowman."

"A snowman?"

Yu Hualiang explained, only to realize that his relationship with the Seventh Prince was like that between a shy schoolboy and his teacher. Whenever you tried to drift off or play by yourself, the teacher would forcibly engage with you under the guise of concern, never minding your true feelings.

Though she always smiled and was kind, you could never be sure she wouldn't suddenly assign you extra homework or call your parents. This kind of painful affection was exactly what Yu Hualiang felt now.

He wished the Seventh Prince would leave soon so he could finish building the snowman with Mo Cai and have a snowball fight tomorrow...

Forgive men—no matter how old, they're still children at heart.

The Seventh Prince, sensing Yu Hualiang's unease, tried again, "Ziliang, do you know how to play chess?"

Yu Hualiang shook his head, then added, "I know a little about Five-in-a-Row."

"Oh? And what is that?" The prince, ever curious, inquired further.

Yu Hualiang scratched his head, explaining, "It's a game where you try to connect five pieces in a row—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Whoever does it first wins."

The prince smiled. "Sounds interesting. Ziliang, how about a game?"

"Ah?" Yu Hualiang looked outside; it was nearly time to sleep...

"Would you rather not?"

"I’d love to!" Yu Hualiang blurted, fearing the prince would be displeased.

The prince’s eyes were gentle. "If you truly don't want to, I won’t force you. Just be honest with me."

Yu Hualiang saw he was serious and didn’t want to lie. With an apologetic look, he said, "I don’t really feel like playing..."

"Is there something else you’d like to do?" The prince asked kindly.

Yu Hualiang glanced up, a little dejected. "Actually... I want to go outside and see things... Ever since I arrived, I haven’t really been out..."

It was true. Since Yu Hualiang had arrived in this world, he'd been ill and confined to his room, avoiding the prince's manor. The only time he'd gone out was that day to paint the plum blossoms. He’d never seen the streets and alleys here. Today, though the outing hadn’t been pleasant, it was interesting to see the city.

He feared this place might become a cage, trapping him inside...

The prince looked at him, growing more sympathetic, feeling perhaps Yu Hualiang had been mistreated in his house. Even his clothes were shabby. This was the perfect opportunity—he could take him out for a stroll tomorrow.

The prince laughed. "Ziliang, you really are like a child."

Yu Hualiang was taken aback... Was that supposed to mean he was cute or childish?

The prince then pulled out a jade token and handed it to Yu Hualiang, who accepted it. The stone was a soft violet, like a wisp of purple cloud, with frosted patterns like drifting snow.

It was a kind of precious jade called "Roland Jade," rarely seen even in modern times. Yu Hualiang recalled once painting a portrait for a wealthy woman who wore a bracelet of this jade. She’d told him it was worth over two hundred thousand—expensive even now, and even more precious in ancient times, especially with its intricate dragon carvings.

Yu Hualiang turned the token over, taking half a minute to decipher the inscription.

"Virtue... Eminence," he murmured.

The prince teased, "Surely you know that's my noble title?"

He didn’t! He truly had no idea.

"Ah... of course, I know," Yu Hualiang lied with a forced laugh.

Only now did he realize that princes had formal titles, often more commonly known than their given names. He’d have to ask Mo Cai to teach him more about these things.

But why was the prince giving him this token? He suddenly remembered the token Chang Zihao once gave him, which he’d never even used before being beaten up.

If he lost this one... the prince might very well kill him...

"With this, none of the guards will stop you. You can come and go as you please, so long as you return before the gates close," the prince explained.

Yu Hualiang was thrilled—this was practically a staff pass! He could come and go freely from the prince’s manor!

But, hesitating as he held the precious jade, he tried to return it. "Seventh Prince, I really shouldn’t..."

"What’s wrong? Don’t you like the jade?"

"It’s not that—it’s too valuable. If I carry it out and about and lose or damage it..."

The prince laughed. "You worry too much. Once I’ve given it to you, it’s yours. If you lose or break it, just come ask for another!"

"Really?" Yu Hualiang’s eyes widened in delight, and seeing such happiness, the prince finally relaxed.

Yu Hualiang scratched his head, embarrassed. "Sorry, Seventh Prince, I got a bit carried away."

"No matter, as long as you’re happy," the prince replied, lost in his smile, his palm itching with the urge to embrace him.

"Oh, right. The day after tomorrow, come with me to Ten-Mile Pavilion. I hear the scenery is beautiful, and I’d like to have a painting done," the prince said.

"Of course, Your Highness. Leave the painting to me!" Yu Hualiang grinned.

Suddenly, a sharp knock sounded at the door, and the prince’s expression turned grave. He stood to shield Yu Hualiang behind him, though Yu Hualiang wasn’t particularly concerned.

He assumed it was Mo Cai bringing snacks, and was about to call out when the prince gestured for silence, making Yu Hualiang nervous as well.

Today the prince was truly acting odd—showing up unannounced, acting all suspicious...

"Eh? Guard Ye? What brings you here?" Mo Cai’s voice came from outside, and both men relaxed.

"I’m looking for the prince. Is he here?" came the reply.

Without waiting for Mo Cai to answer, the prince opened the door and stepped outside. When Ye Fang saw him, he dropped to one knee, as if reporting for punishment. "Your Highness, we haven’t found him yet. The gates are sealed—he’s still in the manor."

The prince nodded. "Keep searching."

"Yes!" Ye Fang rose. The prince added, "Ye Fang, go to the main courtyard and fetch bedding for me. I’ll be staying here tonight..."

Ye Fang’s face was incredulous, but he complied. So, the prince’s relationship with Yu Hualiang truly wasn’t ordinary!

Ye Fang had guarded the prince for ten years, and every time His Highness entertained a guest, the sounds from the bedroom would last half the night. He couldn’t help feeling worried for Yu Hualiang...

Mo Cai was as if petrified. He worried that his master might just be claimed by the prince, leaving him and A’Liu...

He glanced at the plate of freshly warmed cakes and decided not to think about it. Entering the room, he found Yu Hualiang utterly oblivious and felt an inexplicable pang.

Yu Hualiang, unable to stand his glum face, whispered, "What’s wrong with you?"

Mo Cai pursed his lips and left silently, slipping away as if on a banana peel.

When the prince returned, Yu Hualiang’s curiosity got the better of him. "Seventh Prince, what’s going on?"

"Nothing. A thief entered tonight—we’re searching for him," the prince replied, settling back down. "For my safety, may I trouble you to put me up for the night?"

Yu Hualiang broke into a cold sweat... Clearly, this was his real aim! Reluctant as he was, he could only force a smile. "Of course, Your Highness, you can have the bed. Mo Cai and I will sleep elsewhere."

"Oh?" Was it his imagination, or did the prince’s gaze shift when Yu Hualiang mentioned sleeping with Mo Cai?

"You can sleep with me, Ziliang. I don’t mind."

Yu Hualiang managed a strained smile. You don’t mind—well, I do!

"Very well then, I shall accept your hospitality..." he replied politely.

Soon enough, Ye Fang returned with the prince’s bedding, trailed by a group of maids.

After making up the prince’s bed, they insisted on assisting him with his bath...

Though there was a screen, the candlelight cast the prince’s elegant silhouette clearly. Compared to that graceful form, Yu Hualiang’s own frail body was no match.

As he listened to the sounds of bathing and stared at the cakes on the table, Yu Hualiang felt as if a thousand wild horses were galloping through his mind.

When the maids left, their glances at him were full of meaning. Oh, how Yu Hualiang longed to explain himself!

"Ziliang, it’s late. Get some sleep—there’s court early tomorrow," the prince called from the bed.

Yu Hualiang shivered, inching over, quickly shedding a few layers before sliding under the covers. He curled up, back to the prince, like a shrimp, with his head tucked beneath the blanket.

Then he reconsidered—how could he turn his back to the prince? He rolled over to face him, only to meet the prince’s soulful gaze in the candlelight, which sent another wave of goosebumps down his spine...

The prince, fresh from his bath, his long hair damp and draping over his shoulders, the front of his robe open to reveal a strong chest, propped himself on one arm and watched him.

With a smile, he asked, "Ziliang, are you cold?"